Baldwin School - Alumni - News from classes 2000-2006

Laura Adriana Maristany '02 and Luis Fortuño

I arrived in Washington, D.C. on August 31, 2005, one month after being selected as one of the twenty students from Puerto Rico accepted into the Córdova Internship Program sponsored by the Senate of Puerto Rico. My second day in Washington D.C., I was told to go to the office of Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuño because they were interested in having me intern in their office. I arrived in the office thinking that they were going to interview me but as soon as I came in through the door they said ,"You start on Tuesday."

In an orientation for the interns held in Puerto Rico, I was told that my first month working on the Hill would be just answering phones and opening mail. Nevertheless, this has not been my case. from day one I let everyone know that I was interested in learning everything and that no job was too big or too small for me. I told my supervisor that I was the type of person that needed constant stimulation and to work under stress. She made sure from the first day to keep me busy at all times.

In Capitol Hill I have had the chance to acquire many new experiences and knowledge. I have worked closely with everyone in the office on a series of different areas and issues. I have also been able to get to know and admire Mr. Luis Fortuño. On several occasions I have gone with him to committee hearings and events. One such event was the Inaugural Ceremony for the Solar Decathlon, held at the National Mall on October 6, 2005. I had the opportunity to prepare everything for the Resident Commissioner's visit to this event, including the press release for the activity. I have also worked very closely with the Legislative Assistants in charge of the Committees on Education, Immigration, Environment and Health.

In my "free time" I take courses, attend lectures and do community service. On Mondays all the interns have scheduled meetings with people from a variety of fields. I have had the chance to meet the United States Ambassador to Japan, Tom Folley; the Deputy Assitant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Securities, Donald Kent; Eduardo Bhatia; the President of Univision Puerto Rico, Larry Sands, and a series of other important political figures from Puerto Rico and the world. From Tuesdays to Fridays after work I attend receptions held on Capitol Hill. This has also been a great experience in this internship since I have been able to meet many important figures at these receptions. I have so far had the chance to attend receptions given by Nickelodeon, Nintendo, Information Technology, Financial Planning, Avian Flu... These events are extremely informative and fun.

Needless to say, my experience working in Capitol Hill for Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuño is one in a lifetime. I have plans to return to Washington, DC upon graduation in the summer of 2006. I have already been offered job opportunities on Capitol Hill and other government offices. As a Baldwin alumna I feel that Baldwin School helped to prepare me for this experience by offering me opportunities to develop my leadership talents. I am always proud to tell anyone who asks that I graduated from Baldwin School and that it is the best school in Puerto Rico.